Laparoscopic Surgery - Single Incision and Solid Organ

Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS)

Mount Sinai surgeons are dedicated to innovating traditional methods of surgery. Single-incision laparoscopic surgery represents a new advance in minimally invasive abdominal surgery that we commonly use here at Mount Sinai. Instead of using multiple incisions (< ½ inch) to perform laparoscopic surgery, a single small incision is made within the umbilicus through which the surgery is done.

The most significant advantage of a single-incision laparoscopic procedure is cosmetic, as most patients can barely see the scar hidden within the umbilicus. Decreased pain may be another benefit as compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery. Pediatric patients in particular may benefit significantly from these single-incision laparoscopic procedures to minimize postoperative pain, and avoid scars that will enlarge over time. Most patients after these procedures elect to go home several hours after surgery, with the remainder are discharged after an overnight stay.

A single-incision laparoscopic technique is most commonly used for cholecystectomy and appendectomy, and has been performed since 2008. As experience and instruments have been developed, more complex procedures are being successfully approached, most recently single-incision laparoscopic splenectomy and adrenalectomy. Laparoscopic colectomy, antireflux surgery, hernia repair, and LapBand™ via a single incision have also been reported.

Single-incision laparoscopic procedures have gained increasing press coverage, and to no surprise, has multiple names, including SILS™ (single incision laparoscopic surgery), LESS (laparoendoscopic single site surgery), SPATM (single port access), single incision surgery, and single port surgery. While this technique is exciting and holds much promise, patient safety is the utmost priority in performing any type of minimally invasive procedure.

Laparoscopic Solid Organ Surgery

The surgeons at Mount Sinai have great experience in the surgical treatment of disorders of the solid abdominal organs. Laparoscopic treatment is offered whenever possible in order to increase recovery time and minimize pain and scarring. The laparoscopic solid organ procedures that the surgeons at Mount Sinai specialize in include splenectomy, adrenalectomy, pancreatectomy, and donor nephrectomy. Common surgical conditions of the abdominal solid organs include: